Shea-Porter discusses issues with area seniors

ROCHESTER — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter met with senior citizens Wednesday morning at the Roberge Community Center to discuss Social Security, Medicare and Iraq.

Also on hand Wednesday morning were representatives from Social Security and Medicare, as well as members of Service Link Resource Center (SLRC) to answer one-on-one questions.

"When people come to our local offices, sometimes they have issues with the federal government. We have case workers that will direct them to the right place," Harry Gural, Shea-Porter's chief of staff, explained. The workers act as intermediaries, and aim to get people on the right track, he said.

Shea-Porter made the rounds, speaking with the small number of seniors in attendance, then taking time to address their questions.

Shea-Porter says the Social Security problem can be fixed now.

"I still believe Social Security can be fixed if they raise the cap on the tax. That doesn't seem fair that those on low income pay on every single dollar," said Shea-Porter. She explained to the audience, income is taxed up to about the $96,000 mark for Social Security, and those who make, for example, $300,000 a year do not pay for Social Security on monies earned over $96,000.

Despite calling Medicare a "huge problem" and noting Democrats and Republicans disagree about what services should be rendered, and how reimbursement should be fulfilled, Shea-Porter displayed an optimistic outlook for the future of health care.

"We are putting more money into health care than ever before," she told the group. "I think we are moving toward a place where we will have health care for everybody."

While taking a positive approach on the two domestic issues, a recent trip to Iraq left her describing the war as an "extraordinary investment and tiny returns."

"We borrow that money from China, which is a national security risk, in my opinion. Are we going to borrow the money and put it in Iraq, or put in our country?" she asked.

When Shea-Porter spoke with General David H. Petraeus, she was told Iraq was "fragile" and "baby steps" had to be taken.

She also spoke with an Iraqi, who told her the average Iraqi sees none of the money the U.S. has spent overseas, and do not feel any of the investment. This, she said, was the most disheartening.

"You would think at this point they would have schools, (and) electricity, but it has not happened," she said.

In addition to directing questions toward the congresswoman, seniors also had a chance to learn about the SLRC, and speak with Cuong V. Do, a management support specialist with the Social Security Administration's Portsmouth District Office.

Seniors asked Do about filing for disability, and how abuse of the system is monitored. Do debunked the myth that the first time some one applies for disability they are turned down. He then explained the cycle of reviewing and processing claims, which goes through the state, and licensed medical examiners.

The SLRC, with 13 locations throughout the Granite State, offers information and connections with a wide array of services, including Medicare assistance, and varies from transportation to prescription drug assistance. SLRC can be reached at www.servicelink.org or by calling toll-free 866-634-9412.

Shea-Porter also made stops in Newmarket and Exeter on Wednesday to meet with senior citizens, and on Saturday will be holding open houses for seniors at both her Dover and Manchester offices.

The Dover office is located at 104 Washington St., and will be open from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Manchester office, at 33 Lowell St., will be open from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information call 641-9536.

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